The new online survey is being undertaken to obtain up-to-date recreational fishing information with the results building on our bi-annual surveys, which we have conducted since 2011, enabling catch estimates to be compared over time.

This information helps us improve understanding of local fishing habits, preferred catches and the status of fish stocks across the State.

Fishing for the popular shellfish in the West Coast Zone will only be permitted for licensed fishers from 7am to 8am on Saturday 8 December, Saturday 12 January, Saturday 2 February and Saturday 16 February.

However, the number of fishing days may be reduced or extended depending on the level of the catch being taken.

The season dates are in line with changes to fishing days implemented last year to help improve the safety of fishers. If poor weather conditions are forecast we will take action on the advice of Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) and in consultation with Recfishwest to close the fishery. More.

Get ‘trout’ and about this spring

It’s a great time of year for anglers to try their hand at freshwater fishing following our release of hundreds of thousands of trout into south-west brooks, rivers, lakes and dams.

Anglers aged 16 and over need a freshwater angling licence to fish for freshwater finfish in all inland waters south of Greenough (29°S latitude) and above the tidal influence, including all lakes, dams, rivers and their tributaries. More.

The Exmouth reef is a unique design with six stabilised steel fish towers and 49 concrete structures creating a diverse marine ecosystem, which will attract a range of pelagic and demersal species including trevally, Spanish mackerel, tuskfish, emperors, coral trout and cod species that will either explore the new reef or make it a permanent home. More.

Wanted: blue swimmer log book volunteers

We are seeking more recreational fishers to assist with vital research into stocks of blue swimmer crabs in three key recreational WA crab fisheries.

Crabbers’ support is required in the Swan River, the Leschenault Estuary/wider Bunbury area, as well as Geographe Bay. More.

Nibbles

Gold stars for WA fisheries

The latest status report on Western Australia's fisheries show that the State's fish stocks continue to be in a healthy condition, with 95 per cent of them not at risk or vulnerable to fishing exploitation.

Rock lobster marathon trek

Data from our rock lobster tagging project has shown that two female rock lobsters trekked more than 400 kilometres in the space of just three months.

Helicopter patrols start three weeks early

State-funded Surf Life Saving WA helicopter patrols have begun covering the metropolitan area and South-West region again, starting three weeks earlier than in the past seasons.

Abalone trafficker fined and banned

A fisher has been fined more than $19,000 and banned from fishing for two years after being found in possession of 255 abalone.

Have your say on Perth artificial reef

Recreational fishers and community members in Perth’s northern suburbs are being asked for their views on the location for Perth’s new artificial reef.

Southern Zone abalone back on the agenda

The recreational abalone fishing season in the Southern Zone (extending from Busselton Jetty to the South Australian border) opens from 1 October 2018 until 15 May 2019.

Fine for diver fishing in Rotto protected area

A diver has been fined nearly $3,000 for catching lobsters in a protected area off the west end of Rottnest Island.